They stood staring at each other. Garland refused to be the one to break the silence. Rochelle’s tone infuriated her.
“I don’t know or care what your issues are with me,” Garland finally said between clenched teeth. “I’m a good mother. I also graduated at the top of my class with degrees in finance and business management. I run a successful business that I plan to expand. I don’t need any of the DuGrandpre fortune. I do just fine. You will also find that I don’t take well to being threatened, Mrs. DuGrandpre.”
“Garland, I wondered where you’d disappeared to,” Ryker stated as he joined them. “Mom, are you holding my date hostage?”
Rochelle gave a short laugh. “Of course not. We were just talking about children and the importance of good parenting.”
Garland swallowed her anger. How could this woman look at her so coldly and Ryker not notice?
“Please tell me that you did not get on your soapbox.”
“I didn’t,” his mother responded.
Ryker glanced over at Garland. “She didn’t. We had a nice conversation,” she lied.
* * *
Later at home, Ryker announced that it was time for another date night. “Garland, we have been so focused on the girls. This evening has convinced me that we need more adult time.”
“Ryker, we’re friends,” she responded. “I don’t mind hanging out with you. And you’re right, we do need to have some time for ourselves.”
He chuckled. “I know it’s been a while since I’ve asked a woman on a date, but I didn’t think I was this bad at it.”
“Oh. You mean like a real date?”
“It makes sense, don’t you think?” he asked. “We are very attracted to each other. Why don’t we see where this takes us?”
“Are you sure about this, Ryker?” Garland did not add that she knew he was still in love with his wife.
“I am very sure,” he answered. “And for the record, I have always seen you as more than my best friend’s sister. I see the woman in you. I’m sure it’s no secret that my feelings for you have been growing since you and Amya moved into the house.”
“We are bonding and becoming closer because of the girls,” Garland stated. She wanted to make sure Ryker was not confusing his feelings. One of them had to remain rational and grounded in reality.
“I want to give our marriage a real chance,” Ryker stated.
Garland nodded. “We will take it day by day. I don’t want to force something that isn’t there.”
* * *
“Trina, I need your help,” Garland said, rushing into her friend’s office. “I have another date with Ryker. Can you believe it? He wants a weekly date night—real dates.”
“Okay, I’m not surprised by this,” she responded casually. “Why do you seem so shocked?”
“I didn’t see this coming at all.”
“You have feelings for the man and it’s clear that he wants to be with you. What’s the problem?”
“I’m not sure that this isn’t about the girls, Trina. Maybe he’s just afraid of losing them.”
“Garland, he could think the same way about you.”
“I really care for Ryker,” she confessed. “But what if this doesn’t work out?”
“Take it one day at a time,” Trina advised.
She laughed. “I said the same thing to him just last night. I must sound like an idiot right now.”
“No, not really,” her friend assured her. “I understand your position. There are two innocent babies involved. It’s not just about you and Ryker. I get it.”
“Maybe we should keep our relationship platonic.”
“Garland, if Ryker is willing to give your marriage a real chance, then you should be happy about this. You both want the same thing, so don’t be so scared of letting someone get close to you.”
“I’m over the heartache of relationships, Trina.”
“You and Ryker live together. I really feel that this is the next step for you two.”
Garland considered her words. “You’re right. I just need to relax.”
“Exactly.”
“I’m going to do just that,” she said.
“While you’re at it, try and have some fun with that gorgeous hunk of a man,” Trina said.
* * *
“How are things going?” Jacques asked.
“Garland and I get along really well. We actually have a date planned for tomorrow night,” Ryker announced during lunch with his father.
“Why are you going through all of this?”
“I have feelings for her, Dad. Real feelings.”
Jacques smiled. “Son, that’s no secret. I’ve known that from the very beginning. Just make sure those feelings are for Garland, and you’re not confusing them with what you feel for the girls.”
“Dad, I hear you, but you don’t have to worry about that. I really care about this woman. This is the first time I’m saying this aloud, but I have to tell someone. I’m in love with Garland.” Ryker gave a huge grin. “I love her.”
“You haven’t told her?”
“I want to be sure that she feels the same way about me.”
“You two getting together is probably the best solution for Kai and Amya,” Jacques said.
“I don’t want to be with Garland just because of our daughters. I love her for who she is, Dad.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“After Angela died, I never thought I could be happy with anyone else, but Garland has given me a reason to love again. Amya and Kai are forever my babies. I am truly a grateful man.”
“How long have you two been here?” Rochelle asked. She and Aubry had just arrived at the restaurant.
“Not long,” Jacques said.
Aubry glanced over at her brother as she sat at the table and opened her menu. “What’s going on with you these days?”
He smiled. “Same as always. Working hard and then going home and being a daddy to my two wonderful daughters. And husband to my wife.”
“I need to come over and spend some time with my nieces,” she said. “How is Garland?”
“She’s fine,” Ryker responded. “Great, in fact.”
Rochelle studied his face. “What exactly is going on between you two? I was under the impression that this was just a marriage in name only—although I have been against it from the start.”
His gaze did not waver. “Mom, Garland and I have genuine feelings for one another.”
“Since when?”
“I have been attracted to her since we were in college. Our marriage has a real chance.”
“Ryker, what in the world are you doing?” his mother questioned.
“Mom...” Aubry began. “This is his life. He can see whomever he pleases.”
Rochelle sent him a sharp look. “The last thing you need to do, son, is get involved with that woman.”
He leaned back in his chair and asked, “Why do you say that?”
“I don’t trust her.”
“Mom, not everybody is after money,” Aubry stated. “This is what you’re thinking, right? That Garland is after the DuGrandpre fortune.”
“If you think that, then you would be wrong,” Ryker stated. “Garland’s store is very successful and she has her own money.”
“She may be comfortable, but marrying a DuGrandpre provides an extra layer of comfort and financial security.”
“You would know,” Aubry uttered.
Rochelle glared at her daughter. “Excuse me?”
“You are only a DuGrandpre by marriage, Mom. Your parents weren’t rich. You seem to forget that you were waitressing to help pay for law school when you met Daddy.”
Stiffening, she sent her daughter a sharp glare. “So, w
hat are you saying exactly?”
Aubry was not one to back down. “I know you love Dad, so you should know that not every woman is after money.”
“What about a child?” Rochelle asked. “She may not be after money, but a child.”
“I’m not going to listen to this,” Ryker stated. “I’m a grown man and I’ll make the decisions for my life.”
“If you’re not careful, Garland could end up with both girls.”
“Mom, you really don’t know her at all.” He picked up his glass and took a long swig.
“Honey, leave it alone,” Jacques said. “Ryker can handle himself.”
Rochelle was clearly not happy but she kept her mouth closed. She snatched up her menu, scanning it.
Aubry met Ryker’s gaze and smiled before turning her attention to the server, who had just arrived.
Chapter 19
“Thanks so much for watching the girls,” Garland told Jordin. “I’ve already given them baths and they have their pajamas on.”
“They are both so sweet and adorable. I love spending time with them.”
“Amya and Kai love you,” Garland said. “They were at the window looking for you a few minutes earlier.”
“Joy...” Kai exclaimed.
“Hey, sweetie pie,” Jordin responded. “Where’s your sister?”
Kai paused and called, “Mya.”
A few seconds later, Amya came running out of the bedroom. She squealed with delight when she saw Jordin.
Garland chuckled. “I guess Ryker and I can make our getaway.”
“I’ll take them back to the playroom until you leave,” Jordin stated.
“Thanks again for babysitting.”
“Don’t worry about the girls. You and Ryker enjoy your evening.”
Ryker came downstairs looking handsome in a tailored black suit. His eyes traveled to Garland. “You are absolutely stunning.”
“You don’t look too shabby yourself,” she responded with a grin.
He greeted Jordin with a quick embrace. “Hello, cousin.”
Jordin gently pushed him toward the door. “Go and get out of here, you two. I’m going to keep the girls busy.”
Ryker took Garland’s hand and led her outside of the house and into his SUV.
* * *
They had a nice evening out with good food, cold drinks and great conversation. By the time they got back to the house, the toddlers were asleep. Jordin left so that Ryker and Garland could spend the rest of the evening alone.
“I guess this means that we’re stuck with each other,” he teased.
“It would seem so.”
Their eyes locked as their breathing seemed to come in unison.
Ryker reached over and took Garland by the hand.
A shudder heated her body at his touch.
She cleared her throat, pretending not to be affected by Ryker.
He smiled, his eyes never leaving her face.
“You’re staring at me,” Garland murmured.
“That’s because I find you incredibly beautiful.”
“Ryker, thank you for the compliment,” she said. “But it’s not necessary.”
“You really are a breath of fresh air, Garland,” he responded with a chuckle. “I’ve never met anyone like you before.”
Their gazes locked once more and both of them could see the attraction mirrored in the other’s eyes.
Ryker pulled her into his arms.
Garland drew his face to hers in a renewed embrace as her emotions whirled. He kissed her then, lingering and savoring every moment. Blood pounded in her brain, leaped from her heart and made her knees tremble.
“I have always been drawn to you, sweetheart,” Ryker said. “From the moment I laid eyes on you.” He touched his lips to hers again.
Garland kissed him with a hunger that belied her outward calm. She was stunned by her own eager response.
Ryker and Garland both felt the subtle shift in mood. He covered her mouth once more, kissing her passionately.
Garland eventually found the strength to pull away. Her fingers to her lips, she rushed off to her bedroom.
* * *
The next morning, Ryker forced his features to remain emotion free when Garland entered the kitchen. She was wearing a fashionable matte gold dress with a topaz-colored trim that matched her bewitching eyes to perfection. The gold and topaz sandals were a perfect match to the dress. She wore very little makeup, but she was one of few women who really did not need it.
Though Garland was trying to play it cool, Ryker could see the nerves jumping beneath her skin and the worry in her eyes. He bit back a smile. He was definitely affecting her as much as she was affecting him.
“Good morning,” she said as she poured herself a cup of coffee. “What would you like for breakfast?”
“I had some toast,” Ryker said. “I was about to make some oatmeal for the girls. Would you like some?”
Garland shook her head. “I’ve never been into oatmeal. I’ll just eat a bowl of cereal.”
“Are the girls up?” he asked.
“They weren’t the last time I checked.”
“I’ll make breakfast for them while you get them up and ready for school,” Ryker suggested.
Garland finished off her coffee. “Sounds like a plan.”
She left the kitchen, walking briskly.
When she returned, Amya and Kai were with her.
Ryker’s smile brightened at the sight of his daughters. “Good morning,” he said.
“Daddee,” the girls said in unison.
He walked around the kitchen counter and assisted Amya into her booster seat. Garland placed Kai in hers.
“I made oatmeal,” Ryker announced. “Do you want applesauce with it?”
“Abblesauce,” Amya said while Kai nodded with a grin.
Garland sat at the table and, after setting bowls in front of the girls, Ryker joined her.
Her light scent drifted over to him, and he could feel his pulse race as his lower anatomy woke up. He had to find a way to get his libido back in check.
Her dress dipped in front to show the smallest hint of cleavage, increasing Ryker’s desire to see more. The way it hugged her body, showing off her small waist to perfection, was exquisite torture. The oatmeal forgotten, Ryker’s mouth went dry and his breathing escalated.
He spent most of his time looking at Garland’s shapely legs as she crossed and recrossed them. Her sexy high-heeled shoes highlighted the beauty of her ankles.
Garland possessed the kind of legs that gave men ideas. Ryker had to snatch back his control as she unconsciously licked her lips—it was something he found incredible sexy. He was still patiently waiting for her to give him some sign that she was ready to take their relationship to the next level.
“Your breakfast is getting cold,” she told him, interrupting his thoughts.
“Eat, Dayee,” Kai ordered.
“I’d wondered where she got her bossiness from,” Ryker said with a grin. “It all makes sense now.”
“You will pay for that remark,” Garland promised with a smile.
“You can’t get mad at me. It’s in the genes.”
She laughed. “You must be talking about Parker.” Garland knew that it was impossible for her daughter to inherit anything from her foster brother, but they had spent so much time together growing up, it was possible some of his qualities had rubbed off on her.
Ryker thought about it for a moment. “Yeah, he could be bossy at times, but you were always the one trying to keep us in line.”
“You and my brother didn’t take anything seriously. It was all about the next party.”
“Until our junior year,” he said. “We
started to buckle down at that point.”
“I wish the girls could have met him,” Garland said, then added, “What do you think he’d say about our marriage?”
“I believe he’d be happy for us.” Ryker fought not to grab hold of Garland and kiss her. He craved the feel of her lips against his own.
“I’m sorry for running off the way I did last night,” Garland said. “Things were getting very intense between us.”
“I meant what I said about not pushing you into something you’re not ready for,” Ryker responded.
“I appreciate that.” She checked her watch. “I need to head off to work, but I’ll see you later tonight for dinner.”
Ryker walked her out to the car. He met her breathtakingly intense eyes. “Have a great day,” he said before kissing her gently on the lips.
“You do the same,” she said with a slight grin.
* * *
“You look beautiful,” Ryker said the next morning, his eyes penetrating her as he beamed. She had come downstairs with the girls just as he was about to leave for the office.
“It’s sweet of you to say that, but I know the truth,” Garland responded. “My hair is all over my head and I don’t have any makeup on.” It was her day off, so she’d thrown on a pair of denim shorts and a tank top.
“You don’t need it.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, breathless. Garland’s hormones were surging all over the place. They both gazed hungrily into each other’s eyes as his intoxicating gaze seduced her.
Ryker dominated her thoughts and her heart. She felt so alive with him.
“I think you’re an amazing mother.” His silky, deep voice caressed her body as he watched her with the girls.
Excitement shot through Garland’s body. She was dizzy with the heat of expectancy. It was an empowering experience to be treated like a queen. Every time his sexy gaze met hers, her heart turned over in response.
Slowly and seductively, Ryker’s eyes slid downward. Garland’s heart jolted and her pulse pounded as he pulled her close to him. She could hear his heart pound sturdily in his chest.
Clearing her throat, she pushed away and said, “Amya’s so excited about starting preschool with Kai. I really think this is best because I can pick them up a little earlier now that Robyn is managing the store on the island. I’ve been seriously considering another store here in Charleston.”
Forever My Baby Page 14